I am thrilled to have Chelsea from
Frolic posting here today! Frolic has often been an inspirational stop for me, a place where I can dream, become updated on the hip hip and the what's what, and ultimately learn. I have been ever intrigued at Chelsea's path of work and how she has achieved such success in her passion. Hope you will appreciate her talents as I do. Thank you Chelsea for sharing!
001. Tell us a bit about yourself and what you are currently up to. I am a blogger, prop stylist and floral designer from Portland, Oregon. I've worked in corporate retail and as a floral designer with my own business. About 3 years ago I started my blog as a creative outlet and now it's the other half of my styling/floral career. Since August, I've been living in Sweden and now I am traveling in Europe for a bit. It's been really great to get away and find a fresh perspective and new inspiration. I've always regretted not traveling enough in my twenties, so I am trying to get it all out of my system. I've got a really bad travel bug at the moment!
002. How did you jump into your career of prop styling and floral design?
I've been involved with flowers and gardening since I was really young. In high school, I started designing and growing my own little herb and cutting gardens. When I was 18, I did the flowers for my older sister's wedding. A few months later, when I went off to college, I began dreaming of starting my own flower shop. I begged friends to let me do their wedding flowers so I could gain experience. After my Sophomore year of college I worked as a garden and floral intern at a resort in Michigan. When I graduated from college an amazing opportunity came up in Portland, working for a new startup of urban style nurseries. I worked as a designer there and also learned about buying and inventory. After a year or two there, I started my own floral business and owned that for 5 years.
I've always been interested in styling and after closing my floral business, It seemed like a natural step. But, I didn't start styling until about a year or so ago. Now I style wedding and party concepts and products for small businesses.
003. What tips and smarts can you offer for someone interested in freelancing as you do?
I usually learn things the hard way and wouldn't necessarily recommend my own methods to others. But, I would say: Do something you are absolutely passionate about and not just something to escape the 9-5. Also, simplify your life. Being a freelancer often means living on a much smaller budget. Also, keep a notebook of all your ideas and dreams. Don't be afraid to combine different jobs or methods of earning money.
004. How have you successfully built a network of contacts and exposure for your talents?Blogging has been an amazing marketing tool. When I owned a flower shop my best recommendations came through word of mouth and that is basically what blogging is, but at a much higher speed. The Internet is the most amazing way of making contacts and getting your work out there. Also, meeting local business owner in your own trade or related ones can help tremendously. Meeting face to face is super important.
005. Of your travels what are 5 must visit places or must sees?
Of the short list of places I've been, I would say:
-New England in the fall.
-The Columbia River Gorge near Portland, Oregon.
-A ferry ride through the Stockholm Archipelago in the summer.
-Budapest. I was only there for 12 hours but it has an amazing Parisian feel and is so romantic.
-Venice.
006. What one item, new to you, is a must have?
A Saipua soy candle in Wisteria. I am kind of obsessed with nice candles!
007. You seem to live life to the fullest, what is your motto or theme for your everyday?
I feel like I have a long way to go in that department. I get discouraged a lot and feel like I waste a lot of time!! I try to remember this quote by Madeline L'Engle that says, "Wonderful things happen that we can't believe!" It helps me remember all the great opportunities and good things that have happened in my life and to search for more of those. My newest motto though is, "Why not?" It was basically my entire motivation for coming to Europe this summer!!:)
008. What kind of camera do you use?
For digital, a Nikon D40 that I bought used and badly needs a new lens and a Polaroid 680 SLR. I just started playing with a Super 8 movie camera I bought off of Ebay for $10. I am kind of excited to get the film developed.
009. What is a typical day like for you?
I try to devote separate days to blogging, styling, and shooting. So some days are spent at home or in a coffee shop scouring the internet and networking online. Other days will be spent going into the city and running gobs of errands, searching for props and ideas, budgeting, and trying to figure out ways to carry heavy loads of props on the bus or on my bicycle. When I have to photograph my own work, I photograph at home and try to do it in the morning or early afternoon when the light is the best. It usually involves rearranging my entire home and making a lot of messes.
{all images used by permission via frolic}
#3 The Dunford Family said...I will label my children. No kidding.
